Sunday, April 20th, 2014

This year’s crop of outside linebackers offers exactly what the NFL wants: Versatile edge defenders who can be moved around and contribute in a variety of roles within a multi-front defensive scheme. The value is diminishing for prospects that lack versatility.

Talent should be found throughout at the position, but the sweet spot is in the second to fourth rounds, where I have 12 players graded.

Monday, December 30th, 2013

There will be no shortage of NFL talent on display when the Texas Longhorns square off with the Oregon Ducks in the Alamo Bowl on Monday (6:45 p.m. ET, ESPN). While Oregon top quarterback prospect Marcus Mariota has announced his intentions to return to Oregon for his junior year, both teams feature a solid array of NFL talent, much of which hails from the great state of Texas, which should only add to the intrigue in San Antonio.

Saturday, December 7th, 2013

The senior outside linebacker class rivals offensive tackle in terms of having the most potential for first-round draft picks. Any of the top four would be valid first-round picks, while there are plenty of guys who are solid Day 2 selections.

There are several unique skill sets among the class. Whether a 3-4 defense is looking for a pass-rusher off the edge, or a 4-3 defense is looking for a rangy player, there are players who can help in this group.

The Pacific-12 Conference has been one of the most consistent producers of NFL talent in recent years. Throughout the past five drafts, the Pac-12 has averaged more than 29 players selected.

Led by premier talent such as USC wide receiver Marqise Lee, Washington tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins and UCLA outside linebacker Anthony Barr, the Pac-12 should continue to be one of the top talent-producing conferences of the 2014 NFL draft. In addition to their top prospects, they have many lesser-known prospects who could make names for themselves this season.